Editorials & Extras

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

"LAS VEGAS, NV — A Las Vegas woman has been arrested on a count of murder after she forced her mentally disabled son to overdose on prescription medication but survived an attempt to kill herself, Metro Police alleged.

"Joanne Hafer, 51, was arrested Sunday on a count of open murder after telling police she fed herself and her son, Matthew Hafer, a mixture of prescription medication in an attempt to end both of their lives, according to an arrest report.

"Joanne Hafer wanted to kill herself but was concerned that her son, who required constant supervision, could not take care of himself, so she decided to end both of their lives, the report said.

"She told officers she was responsible for her son’s death and when asked what should happen to her, she told officers, `I should die,` according to the arrest report.

"On Saturday, officers were called to a rented room of a mobile home in the 6000 block of Castlemont Avenue by a resident on the other side of the trailer who heard a woman screaming for help, police said.

"They found Matthew Hafer unresponsive on a recliner and his mother on the floor."

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

"BETHLEHEM, GA — While the investigation is ongoing, Barrow County authorities Tuesday said it appeared a Bethlehem man shot his mother-in-law, then turned the gun on himself Monday.

"According to Barrow County sheriff's Lt. Matt Guthas, the initial call was regarding shots fired at a residence in the 500 block of Walton Drive in Bethlehem. That call was made around 7:14 p.m.

"Deputies responded and surrounded the residence. Guthas said several unsuccessful attempts were made to contact the people inside. When deputies entered the house, they found 66 year old Diana Freeman dead of apparent gunshot wounds. 33 year old Ian Muriu was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"The original call came from Freeman's daughter who was married to Muriu. She fled the residence and ran to a neighbor's house after she said she heard her husband fire a gun inside the home, according to the sheriff's office."

"The Harnett County Sheriff's Office received a tip Tuesday morning that a man wanted for murder had a shotgun and had barricaded himself in a house at 259 Royal St. in Fuquay-Varina. Deputies surrounded the house and tried to talk him out, but he committed suicide shortly after 11:30 a.m., authorities said.

"Sealey confirmed that the dead man was James Ellinger, 48, of St. Pauls.

"Jennifer Ellinger worked in the records division of the Robeson County Sheriff's Office and is survived by three children from a previous marriage, Sealey said."

"ST GEORGE, UT — A husband and wife were found dead in their St. George house Monday.

"A firearm was believed to be involved with both deaths, according to St. George police. Although investigators were not publicly calling it a murder/suicide Monday, they said they did not believe there were any outstanding suspects.

"`The incident is contained to that residence,` said St. George Police Sgt. Sam Despain.

"Neighbors say the bodies of Paul Day, 60, and Mary Ann Day, 47, were found in their home, near 2000 East and 200 South, just after 9 a.m. by their 18-year-old son.

"`We're all really quite shocked this had to happen,` said neighbor Tim Gee.

"Gee said he didn't know of any domestic problems with the couple and even saw them out walking together Sunday night.

"`They were holding hands and talking, and I didn't see anything wrong,` he said. `They just seemed to be very nice people who were always willing to help others.`

"Gee said his son heard something that sounded like fireworks about 2 a.m. but didn't think much of it. The neighborhood was in shock Monday, he said, adding that the couple was considered to be friendly and the type of people who were always willing to help out their neighbors when needed."

"MOORE TOWNSHIP, PA — A 27-year-old U.S. Army veteran shot and killed his fiancee's mother with a handgun before turning the gun on himself in a murder/suicide Monday night in Moore Township, Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek said late this afternoon.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

"MONTGOMERY, AL — The Montgomery Police Department is investigating what initial evidence indicates was a murder-suicide in the 6000 Block of Portsmouth Court on Friday, according to Sergeant M.P. Myrick.

"Terrance D. Phillips, 23, and his wife, 24-year-old Tabia L. Woolford-Philips, were both pronounced dead at the scene from fatal gunshot wounds.

"Officers believe Phillips shot his wife after an argument and then turned the gun on himself.

"The report says police approached the home after receiving a call around 8:32 p.m. stating that someone was shot. After attempts to contact the house's occupants were unsuccessful, the Montgomery Police Department’s SWAT team entered the residence.

"The investigation is continuing and no further information is available for public release."

"HOPEWELL, VA — A man suspected of killing a 73-year-old woman in Pender County, N.C., apparently shot himself in the head late Wednesday night or early today in the parking lot of Hopewell City Hall.

"The body of Wilber Price Jr., 70, was discovered about 12:18 a.m. today by a city resident in the lot that is shared with the Hopewell Police Department. The resident told a Hopewell police officer leaving department headquarters that an unresponsive man was on the ground next to his vehicle, Hopewell police said.

"The officer saw a large amount of blood near the man’s head. Price was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel.

"Hopewell police said they believe the man, later identified as Price, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. There were no apparent witnesses to the shooting and no one reported hearing a gun being fired, police said.

"Investigators believe the man’s vehicle had been parked in the lot for five minutes or less.

"Price was a suspect in the death of Myrle Knowles Carr, 73, whose body was found Wednesday night inside her burning home in the 4000 block of Little Kelly Road in Rocky Point, N.C., according to news accounts in North Carolina. Price was living with Carr and was considered her boyfriend, authorities said.

"Keohane said Hopewell police are assisting Pender County sheriff’s investigators with their homicide investigation."

Thursday, July 25, 2013

"HARVARD, IL — Two teens are dead after an apparent murder/suicide this morning at a home in far northwest suburban Harvard, police said.

"Harvard police responded to a disturbance at about 1 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Apple Valley Road, according to a press release. Responding officers heard a gunshot in the area and found a 17-year-old girl and a 19-year-old man unresponsive in the backyard of the home near Apple Valley Road and 10th Street.

"Harvard police identified the two people who died as Jacqueline Flores and Miguel Andrade.

"Flores sustained wounds to her head in an altercation before being found outside a neighbors home, police said. Andrade was found with a wound to his head and a .22-caliber revolver near his body. Flores died at the scene while Andrade was taken to Harvard Mercy Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

"The couple had a prior relationship, and police were investigating the incident as a presumed murder/suicide.

"The investigation found that an altercation occurred at a neighboring home, where authorities think the girl had been injured, according to the release."

"When they got there, they found 59-year-old Deborah Kay Sheppard and 60-year-old Michael Steve Sheppard dead in the apartment. Deborah and Michael were a married couple.

"Police say it appears to have been a murder/suicide. Both of them had gunshot wounds and police recovered a handgun at the scene.

"A family member discovered the bodies when he went to the apartment and forced his way into the apartment after the couple did not answer the door. The family member went to the apartment because he was unable to contact Deborah and Michael that day.

"The family member immediately notified police after finding the bodies. Detectives are waiting on autopsy results to help figure out the series of events prior to the deaths.

"This incident is still being investigated by Waco Police Department Special Crimes Unit."

"PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI — A Salem man killed himself in Racine Tuesday night shortly after he reportedly shot the man dating his ex-wife in Pleasant Prairie.

"Michael L. Darracott, 44, of Pleasant Prairie, was shot multiple times in the head and chest at his home Tuesday night by his girlfriend’s ex-husband, Dean L. Knudtson, 42, of Salem, according to Pleasant Prairie Deputy Police Chief Dave Mogensen.

"Mogensen said Darracott was dating Knudtson’s ex-wife and had been for some time.

"Knudtson was found shortly after the incident at Pritchard Park near Durand Avenue and Ohio Street in Racine. He called 911 advising authorities of his location and what he did.

"Sheriff’s deputies, Racine police and Mount Pleasant police responded to the area near Knudtson’s vehicle. They heard a gun shot and saw a muzzle flash from the interior of the vehicle, reports said.

"As responding officers approached the suspect’s vehicle, Knudtson was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Rescue personnel was called, but Knudtson was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police."

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

"ROANOKE, VA — Police said Monday that family issues led a man to shoot his brother-in-law and sister at a northeast Roanoke home Sunday evening before shooting himself in the head.

"Thomas Hubert Radford Jr., 61, of Salem died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the backyard of a home in the 100 block of Houston Avenue NE, police spokesman Sgt. Jason Holt said.

"Radford’s brother-in-law, Ernest John Booden, 72, was shot in the abdomen, and Radford’s sister, Cynthia Radford Booden, 60, was shot in the arm, Holt said. Phone listings list the Boodens as residents of the home.

"Officers responded after Cynthia Booden phoned 911 from a neighbor’s home at 6:29 p.m. to report that she had been shot, Holt said. Police arrived and found the Boodens outside with wounds.

"Radford was found in the backyard of the Boodens’ home with a firearm lying near him, Holt said. An autopsy conducted by the Roanoke medical examiner’s office corroborated witness reports and evidence from the scene that indicated Radford shot himself after firing on his sister and her husband.

"Holt said Ernest Booden was shot in the basement of the home, and Cynthia Booden was shot elsewhere in the residence.

"The Boodens were taken by ambulance to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Holt said. Hospital spokesman Eric Earnhart said Monday evening that he had no information about either person’s condition."

"RICHMOND, VA — An apparent murder/suicide of a mother and her son in Chesterfield came moments after a fight at the dinner table, according to court records.

"Court records show a third person was at the home at the time of the shooting. Plus, an emergency protective order was taken out against the supposed shooter just months before that deadly night.

"Court papers reveal Barbara and Jeffery Hogue were eating dinner with a third woman three weeks ago (July 7) in the Lark Hill Lane home when a fight started and the mother and son went into a back bedroom.

"According to this report, Barbara told the other woman in the home to run and that as she was running away, she heard three gun shots.

"When police got to the home, they found Barbara dead on the porch. Her 43-year-old son was dead inside. Police say Jeffery apparently shot Barbara before turning the gun on himself."

"SALT LAKE CITY, UT — On Tuesday, Salt Lake City police were still trying to determine what caused Calvin Eatchel to shoot his wife to death outside of his home in the 1600 West block of Eisenhower Way and then turn the gun on himself Monday afternoon.

"Salt Lake City police Det. Cody Lougy said detectives were treating the death as an apparent murder/suicide and officers were still trying to determine a motive.

"When police arrived, they found Debra Eatchel dead of a gunshot wound in the driver’s seat of a car that was half on a driveway and half on a nearby lawn.

"Calvin Eatchel was lying dead of a gunshot wound in the middle of the street about 50 feet away, police said.

"`We don’t know at that point what took place [to cause Calvin Eatchel to shoot his ex-wife],` Lougy said.

"Utah court records show the couple has had a tumultuous relationship over the years."

"SACRAMENTO, CA — Police are investigating the deaths of two men whose bodies were found in a Huntington Beach park Tuesday as a possible murder/suicide involving a wanted parolee.

"An individual walking through Bartlett Park Tuesday spotted both bodies at about 12:50 p.m. and called police. Known for homeless encampments, the park is heavily covered by trees and brush and houses several dirt trails.

"Both men sustained gunshot wounds, and one of the victims has been identified as Abraham Felmley, a 32-year-old parolee and person of interest wanted for questioning in a deadly fire in Sacramento County that occurred on Monday. The other man appears to have been a homeless man camping in the area, reports City News Service. He has yet to be identified.

"Two men related to Felmley—62-year-old Dennis Felmley and his 84-year-old father, Chesley Felmley—were found dead Monday morning in a house fire in the 7300 block of French Road in southeastern Sacramento County. Their cause of death was not immediately known, and an investigation into how the blaze was set continues.

"A white pickup truck belonging to one of the victims was stolen from the residence, and hours later a man reported a carjacking of a 1992 green Toyota Camry in Merced. Felmley was the main suspect in all three incidents."

"SCOTTSDALE, AZ — A Chandler man who was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Scottsdale after apparently shooting another man to death was a store manager for a CVS pharmacy in Phoenix, the company confirmed Wednesday.

"Scott Jablonsky, 47, took his own life at the company’s regional office in north Scottsdale, at 15100 N. 90th St., where his wife also was employed, the company said in a statement.

"Scottsdale police received a call about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Broadstone apartment complex near Raintree Drive and 92nd Street, said David Pubins a spokesman for the Scottsdale Police Department.

"The Spokane County medical examiner identified Keith M. Barber, 50, as the male victim in the mobile home fire at the Cascade Mobile Home Community. Neighbors said he lived with his fiancée, Amanda Blanchard, and that she died in the fire.

"The medical examiner hasn’t released a cause of death for either victim.

"The mobile home at 2311 W. 16th Ave. burned within minutes. The homicide suspect, who police have not identified, lit the fire using lighter fluid before committing suicide, police said.

"Police confiscated a gun at the home but have not identified it as the homicide weapon.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

"DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A husband and wife found dead inside their Downers Grove home Friday died of an apparent murder/suicide, Downers Grove Police said today.

"Police responded to the home on the 6200 block of Park Avenue for a well-being check and found Thomas F. Smith, 41, and his wife Jennifer M. Smith, 39, dead of stab wounds, Lt. Michael Willison said in a release. Willison said that it appeared that Thomas Smith stabbed and killed Jennifer Smith then committed suicide. It appears that the couple was alone during the incident.

"The couple's 11-year-old daughter was not at home at the time and is staying with relatives, Willison said.

"`The Village of Downers Grove extends sympathies to the family involved in this tragic incident,` Willison said."

"BLOOMINGTON, IN — Police are investigating after two people were found dead in a Monroe County home on Monday.

"A deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department said one male and one female were found fatally shot.

"The Monroe County Coroner's Office confirmed one death was a homicide and one was a suicide.

"`It appears from our investigation that the female died first. The male was treated by ambulance personnel then declared dead at the scene, but he was alive for some time after law enforcement arrived and summoned an ambulance and then he was pronounced here at the scene,` said Sgt. Brad Swain with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.

"The woman was identified as Kelly Doane Emerick, 48, of Bloomington, a supervisor for the IU-Health Bloomington EMT service.

"The man was identified as William D. `Randy` Roudebush, 42, of Bloomington, a firefighter captain at Perry Clear Creek Fire Department.

"One autopsy was scheduled to be completed Monday and the other was scheduled for Tuesday morning.

"WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Police say a man entered a Winston-Salem hospital and shot a woman to death in her room, then killed himself.

"Investigators said 28-year-old Saqueena Cutchin was a patient in a third-floor room at Forsyth Medical Center when 27-year-old Tazeman Boone came into the room about 11:30 p.m. Saturday and killed her.

"Police say Boone appears to then turn the gun on himself, but the investigation continues.

"Authorities say the killer and victim were in a relationship. They did not say why Cutchin was in the hospital.

"Police say no one else was in danger, and the hospital continued to take care of patients."

"Police were called after friends of the man and woman had not seen them for several days and received no response when attempting to contact them. The friends looked inside and saw one of the victims who was unresponsive.

"Official cause of death is unknown, but Thompson said, `early indications` show that it may have been a murder\suicide. He said a medical examiner has been called in.

"Thompson said there were some animals in the home and they are being removed.

"RIVIERA BEACH, FL — City police are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman this week in what they suspect was a murder and suicide at a Singer Island condominium.

"It would be the fifth murder/suicide case in Palm Beach County this year and the 39th homicide.

"Police were called Tuesday around 11 p.m. to make a welfare check at a home in the Water Glades Condominiums on North Ocean Drive. Once inside, officers found the bodies of Thomas Dinzler, 72 and his wife, Janella Dinzler, 64, police said.

"Investigators said they believe Thomas Dinzler fatally shot his wife and then himself.

"Police found a suicide note but are not releasing it because the investigation is not finished, Rose Anne Brown, city police spokeswoman, said this morning."

"When officers arrived, they found a husband and wife dead on the front porch of a house on the 900 block of Maple Branch Lane. Officials said a gun was found at the scene.

"Authorities believe the double shooting was a murder/suicide. A witness told police the couple had been arguing in the front yard. When the woman went back inside the house, the man reportedly shot her with a handgun and then turned the weapon on himself, police said.

"Their names have not been released, but we're told the man was in his late 60s and the woman was in her late 30s.

"No one else was at the home at the time. This case remains under investigation."

Friday, July 19, 2013

"DEMING, NM — Deming Police officials are investigating what appears to be a murder/suicide that occurred Wednesday afternoon at 1820 S. Saddler.

"Det. Sgt. Clint Hogan said Robert Kratz, age 64, was found sitting in the living room with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found with a .38-caliber handgun in his lap.

"His wife of 43 years, Jean Kratz, age 62, was found dead in bed with at least one gunshot wound to the side of her head.

"Captain Bobby Orosco said officers were sent to the residence at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday after dispatchers received a 911 call about an unattended death.

"It appears the 911 call was made by Robert Kratz, reporting that his wife was dead.

"Kratz must have immediately turned the gun on himself, because Hogan, Officer Richard Gallosa and emergency medical responders who arrived within minutes of the 911 call found him alive but suffering from a gunshot wound.Orosco said Robert Kratz was transported to the hospital by ambulance but died in the emergency room.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

"NOVI, MI — Two bodies believed to be an adult male and female were found inside a home on Porter Street in Novi this morning.

"`The preliminary evidence at the scene suggests an apparent murder/suicide,` said David Molloy, Novi’s director of public safety/chief of police.

"At 11:23 a.m., a welfare request was made by an attorney’s office when one of the residents did not show for a scheduled court hearing. Uniform officers responded to the residence, located on the northwest corner of Taft and Nine Mile roads, to check on the family.

"Officers entered the home with the assistance of a family member who was present at the home. Once inside, they discovered an apparent crime scene with two deceased bodies believed to be residents of the home.

"Molloy said the approximate ages of victims are 55 for the female and 59 for the male."

"JACKSONVILLE, FL — A man and his wife, both 84, are dead after the man shot his wife then shot himself, Jacksonville police said.

"George D. McCallum took Nancy McCallum a half-mile away from their home to Glynlea Park. The two of them had been suffering from health problems, police said. About 8 a.m. Tuesday, police found their bodies.

"`She had her back to the car and was laying on her side,` said Anita Clare, whose backyard borders the park and both bodies were visible to her when she stepped outside Tuesday morning.

"`He was on his back with his hands on his chest,` Clare said. `It’s so sad that they had to resolve their problems this way.`

"This marks the ninth homicide in last 10 days in Jacksonville. It’s the second murder-suicide on the First Coast this year; there were 12 last year."

"LEXINGTON, SC — A man and his nephew were killed Sunday in what Lexington County Sheriff’s deputies think is an apparent murder/suicide.

"Investigators have accused 23-year-old Phillip Brierly Jr. of stabbing his uncle, 60-year-old Dennis Twiddy, multiple times in the back with a 6-inch knife at the 112 Lantern Hill Circle home where the two men lived along with some other family members, according to Lexington County Sheriff James Metts.

"Twiddy yelled that he was being stabbed and other family members home at the time came to the 60-year-old’s bedroom.

"Brierly, also armed with a .38-caliber Rossi handgun, pointed it at the relatives in the living room. Then, he shot his father in the shoulder as the man grabbed the handgun’s barrel. Brierly’s brother-in-law also suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand’s middle finger.

"After the shooting his father and brother-in-law, Brierly went into a laundry room and shot himself in the head, Metts said."

"SHAWNEE, OH — Authorities in Perry County are investigating an apparent murder/suicide.

"According to Perry County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Keith Peck , at 8:15 this morning, they received a 911 call reporting a discovery of two deceased people at 284 New England Hill Road in Shawnee.

"`When our deputies arrived at the scene, we located two deceased bodies that have been identified as 43 year old Christopher Thompson and 41 year old Juanita Thompson,` said Peck. `Like I said, they were both deceased in an apparent murder/suicide.`

"Peck said family members at the scene were able to provide more information to deputies regarding prior incidents that may have lead to Tuesday's tragic event.

"`There were problems. There was a history of some domestic violence issues, along with protection orders issued through our court.`"

"OCEANSIDE, NY — In an apparent murder-suicide at an Oceanside condo complex, a man shot his longtime spouse before turning the gun on himself, police said Tuesday.

"Christine Braun Johnson, 63, and James Johnson, 73, were found dead when officers arrived about 6 p.m. Monday, Nassau County police said.

"Neighbors said the husband was a retired architect-engineer who loved fishing; his wife was an avid tennis player. They said the couple had lived more than 25 years at Brower Oakview Condominiums, a complex of about 45 condos.

"Insp. Kenneth Lack, a police spokesman, described the deaths as a murder/suicide. No other details were released.

"The couple had two cats, and police were trying to find someone who could care for the pets temporarily."

"They say Brenda Sue Caudillo and Pedro Esteban Hernandez, both 44, were having a domestic dispute inside one of the rooms. Police say this is when Hernandez shot Caudillo multiple times. They say she fled the hotel room and managed to run across the parking lot and into the front office for help.

"Police say Hernandez then turned the gun on himself. He was dead by the time EMS arrived on the scene.

"A person on the scene said Caudillo was shot twice in the head and once in the stomach. She was transported to UMC where she remains in critical condition."

"HARLINGEN, TX — Officials are investigating a fatal house fire as a murder/suicide.

"Firefighters and police were called at 5:45 a.m. Monday to a residence in the 1200 block of Rio Hondo, where an explosion reportedly set the home ablaze.

"Fire and police investigators said they recovered the bodies believed to be homeowners Art and Debbie Cohan. Their ages were not released by investigators who are awaiting forensics reports to confirm the identities.
Police said the bodies were found in a bedroom of the house where all windows and doors were blown from their frames by the force of the blast.

"Neighbors reported hearing an explosion and seeing blue flames coming from the wood-frame house. The Harlingen Fire Department classified the blast as a “low-pressure explosion.”

"`It woke me up, it was a big boom,` neighbor Josie Cavazos said. `Everything shook,` she said. `(The house) was engulfed... Blue flames were coming out of the door.`

"Police Sgt. Dave Osborne said letters, packages and surveillance footage led investigators to believe Cohan may have killed his wife and later committed suicide.

"While it is early in the investigation, investigators said Cohan may have acted to ease the suffering of his terminally ill wife.

"`It appears at this time that he may have decided to take his wife’s life and his own life, amongst the medical conditions in place,` Osborne said."

"KALAMAZOO, MI — Police believe a man killed his wife and 17-month-old son before killing himself in their home on Miller Road.

"Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety assistant chief Brian Uridge said Tuesday that police were called to 922 Miller Road around 6 p.m. Monday, July 15 by family members of the 39-year-old woman, who were worried because they had not heard from her.

"Police found the woman, her 42-year-husband, and their 17-month-old son all dead. Police recovered a weapon.

"Uridge said he would not release details, but based on evidence at the scene it appears that the husband killed both his wife and child before taking his own life.

"VISALIA, CA — Police say a Fresno man apparently shot and killed his former girlfriend Friday night in the parking lot of the Visalia La Quinta Inn, then drove around to the other side of the building and shot himself.

"Visalia Police Chief Colleen Mestas said the incident capped off a difficult day for police, who earlier in the day were investigating an unrelated double homicide in a northwest Visalia home.

"`It’s the first time anyone can remember three homicides in one day in our city,` Mestas told reporters this morning during a press conference.

"While police haven’t disclosed the names of the people killed earlier Friday, she identified the two killed Friday night near the hotel as Carlos Navarro, 25, of Fresno, and Celina Simone Lopez, 19.

"Police said it wasn't immediately clear if Lopez is from Fresno or Farmersville.

"Mestas said that before the shooting, her department received a call about 9:40 p.m. from a man who identified himself as Navarro’s brother. He said that Navarro had talked about `shooting a female he was acquainted with.`

"Police were trying to locate the woman identified by the caller when a 911 came in at 10:29 p.m. reporting shots fired in the area of the La Quinta Inn, 5438 W. Cypress Ave. Shortly afterward, dispatchers received a report that somebody there had been shot.

"Arriving officers found Lopez dead, apparently from gunfire, in her car parked on the south side of the hotel.

"Mestas said witnesses told police the woman had been shot by a man last seen driving around the hotel. Police searched the north end of the parking lot and found Navarro in his car, dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound."

"OSTRANDER, OH — A man, who police say killed his estranged wife, took his own life after a standoff with deputies.

"Jerry Flagg Sr., 58, was found shortly before 10:00 p.m. with what police say appeared to be dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Earlier in the afternoon, the man's estranged wife Diana Flagg, was found in a ditch, shot multiple times in the neck and chest, near Brown and Smart-Cole Roads in Millcreek Township, according to police.

"Flagg, 51 was pronounced dead on the scene.

"Witnesses said the man was seen by the woman's body before authorities arrived, and then went inside a nearby home.

"Police evacuated half-a-dozen homes in the area and an additional dozen people were not allowed back in their residences until the situation ended."

"TAYLOR, AR — Lafayette County authorities are investigating an apparent murder/suicide that took place at a residence on Thursday morning at a home on Lake Erling.

"Sheriff Victor Rose said that officers went to the residence at 478 Lafayette 69 at approximately 6:22 a.m. after receiving a telephone call that some type of incident had taken place. They found the bodies of Tonuia L. Duck, 51, and Steve Duck, 55. An investigation indicated that Steve Duck shot Tonuia Duck, and later shot himself.

"Mrs. Duck has had a protection order against Mr. Duck since April 16, 2003, Rose said, but they continued to communicate after the order was served. Rose said that a divorce order was served on Mrs. Duck this past June 11."

"BONNER SPRINGS, KS — Police said they are investigating after two bodies were found at a hotel in Bonner Springs Thursday.

"The bodies of Lacie Martinez and Michael James Jr., both in their 20s, were found inside one of the rooms by a housekeeper, about noon at the Holiday Inn Express north of Interstate 70 on Ridge Drive.

"The couple was from Fayetteville, NC. Lacie Martinez's father, Richard, said the couple was traveling from North Carolina to Seattle with plans to visit James' mother. Richard Martinez said his daughter had been dating James about a year.

"Right now, officials said the deaths appear to be the result of murder/suicide. They said they won't know for sure until after autopsies are performed Friday.

"Richard Martinez said police believe James shot Lacie Martinez and then shot himself. He said both families were devastated, saying they were good kids who had planned to attend college this fall.

"While police aren't saying at this time the exact causes of death, they said a lot of blood was found in the room."

"WORCESTER, MA — Police were investigating a possible domestic murder/suicide at 1 Thistle Lane where two people were found dead Thursday afternoon, according to police.

"Police said a 42-year-old man called them around 4:30 p.m. and when officers arrived he met them outside and informed them that his mother and stepfather appeared to be deceased inside the home.

"Upon entering the townhouse-style home, police discovered a 71-year-old female and a 70-year-old male, both of whom were unresponsive. A paramedic arrived and pronounced the pair dead about 4:30 p.m., according to a press release.

"Police identified the couple as Ellen and Vincent Maher and both lived at 1 Thistle Lane."

Thursday, July 11, 2013

"According to Chief Deputy Marc Mashaw, deputies arrived on the scene located at 103 Greenbriar Drive in West Monroe in the Indian Lakes subdivision shortly after 3 p.m. and said the incident was not a threat to public safety.

"Sheriff Jay Russell said investigators determined the names of the victims were Alvin Fife, 66 and his wife, Frankie, 64.

"Russell said investigators also found a note at the scene and said the pair died of gunshot wounds."

"TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa authorities say a woman was paralyzed after her boyfriend fired shots at her, then turned the gun on himself.

"Officials believe the overnight shooting may have been the result of a bad breakup between the suspect, 31-year-old Jason Powell, and his girlfriend.

"The girlfriend, a 34-year-old woman, ran to a neighbor's house for help, but investigators said that didn't stop Powell from shooting her in the back.

"`She began beating on the door, attempting to get away from him. He followed her over there. When she got inside, the neighbor opened the door to her frantic screams,` Lt. Kip Hart with the Tuscaloosa Metro Homicide Unit said.

"The woman ran from the home she shared with Powell in the Cedar Knoll subdivision to a house next door. The neighbor said only a few seconds after she came inside, Powell fired shots through the front door.

"One of the bullets struck the woman in the back. Soon after, Powell shot himself in the head.

"The Tuscaloosa Metro Homicide Unit got to the scene of the shooting around 1 a.m. Monday, July 8 and found Powell's body in the yard. He was transported to DCH where he later died.

"The female victim was also taken to DCH with serious, life-threatening injuries. She is in critical condition, but expected to survive. It is unclear if her paralysis is permanent."

"Police Chief David Mettin said police found an elderly father and his handicapped daughter dead inside the home in the 5200 block of Clymer Road near Sterner Mill Road and Route 313 late Saturday night.

"Mettin said it appears both suffered gunshot wounds.

"The father was in his late 70s and the daughter is believed to have been in her 60s, said Sgt. Patrick Karcher of Pennridge Regional Police. A caregiver found the bodies about 9 p.m. Saturday night and called police. The man and woman were the only occupants of the home.

"Police believe the killings took place within hours of the discovery of the bodies."

"SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Bexar County Sheriff's Office has ruled a shooting incident that occurred Tuesday in the 21600 block of Spanish Grant Road a murder/suicide.

"The Sheriff's Office has released several reports providing more detail into the standoff between the kidnapping suspect and several Bexar County officers.

"The incident began about 6 a.m. with San Antonio police receiving reports of a gun disturbance involving Yvette Ramos, 21, two children and man holding them captive, a police report states.

"The children were dropped off at some point, the report says, but Ramos remained captive in a black 2012 Toyota Camry.

"The gunman's name hasn't been released by the Sheriff's Office or the medical examiner because relatives have not been identified.

"Through phone calls placed by Ramos, reports of vehicle sightings and cellphone locations that police were able to acquire, the Camry was spotted on the South Side, both SAPD and Sheriff's Office reports say.

"RIDGWAY, PA — A Brockport man and two children are dead from an apparent murder/suicide Thursday night in Horton Township, Elk County.

"On Friday, a representative of the Elk County 9-1-1 Center indicated Ridgway-based state police were dispatched to a report of a murder/suicide at 4708 Route 219 on Thursday. He referred further questions to the state police.

"Ridgway-based state police did not release the names of the people involved, and called the matter a `death investigation,` refusing to release further information.

"The only details released by police were that a 32-year-old man, a 7-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl were dead.

"The deaths occurred between 7 p.m. and 10:55 p.m. Thursday, police said. No causes of death were released for any of the three.

"Elk County Coroner Michele Muccio said autopsies are being scheduled for the three people.

"COCOA, FL — Investigators with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office have released the identities of an elderly couple that were found dead inside their Cocoa home.

"76-Year-Old Patricia Caddell and 89-year-old Scott Caddell, both of 124 Briarwood Court, were found inside their home yesterday after the couple did not show up for a dinner engagement. The couple had been married for fifty years.

"Investigators say that Scott, a United States Navy veteran, has had a decline in his health recently, according to interviews with witnesses who knew the couple.

"The preliminary investigation conducted by the Brevard County Sheriff's Homicide Unit leads investigators to believe that the couple’s deaths were the result of a murder/suicide. A firearm believed to have been used in the incident was recovered at the scene. At this time, the investigation is still ongoing.

"The Brevard County Medical Examiner will be conducting autopsies on both victims. Those examinations are scheduled to be completed later today."

Thursday, July 4, 2013

"CRAGSMOOR, NY — A woman killed her husband with two gunshots to the head and then died after taking pills, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office said on Thursday.

"Undersheriff Frank Faluotico said the case was being treated as a murder/suicide.

"The Sheriff’s Office said deputies went to 40 Dellenbaugh Road in the Wawarsing hamlet of Cragsmoor at 7:32 p.m. Wednesday after being told neither Paul W. McCombs, 62, nor Sharon K. McCombs, 61, had been heard from in more than 24 hours.

"Faluotico said a family member who was not in the area asked authorities to check on the McCombs. He said the couple lived alone and were found dead in a rear bedroom of the single-story, ranch-style home.

"The preliminary investigation, according to a Sheriff’s Office report, found Mrs. McCombs shot her husband twice in the head with a small-caliber handgun and then died after ingesting an undetermined amount of prescription medication.

"`Our investigation at this point revealed she (Mrs. McCombs) only fired two shots, both striking the male subject,` Faluotico said on Thursday."

"HOUSTON, TX — A man shot his girlfriend in the head Thursday, before turning the gun on himself outside her west Houston home, according to Houston police.

"HPD responded to a call on Willbriar at McCullum around 3 a.m. and found a man lying dead in the roadway. They also found another victim, a woman, walking around with a gunshot wound to the head.

"Police said guests were at the woman’s home when her boyfriend arrived and the two began to argue over something. The girlfriend yelled that she was leaving and stormed out the door, with him following behind.

"The disgruntled man pulled out a gun and shot her in the head, then killed himself in the middle of the street.

"The woman was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in serious, but stable condition. She was talking to police as she was being transported. She said her boyfriend was angry because she wanted `out` of her relationship."

"EAST RIDGE, TN — East Ridge police responded to 3613 Wimberly Lane on Tuesday night after family members found the two residents dead inside the home, according to a news release.

"Family members of Susan Ingram forced the door open when they couldn’t get anyone to answer. Inside, they found Susan Ingram dead from a single gunshot wound to the head. Next to her in bed was James Ingram, also with a single gunshot wound to the head, the release said.

"James Ingram was found holding a small handgun, missing two cartridges.

"The bodies were sent to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s office on Amnicola Highway. Officers are awaiting a final report from the preliminary examinations.

"Evidence suggests James Ingram shot his wife prior to shooting himself, East Ridge police said in the release."

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

"HONEY GROVE, TX — Fannin County authorities are investigating a murder/suicide in Honey Grove, Texas. Officers said they found 51-year-old Michael Troutt and his wife 47-year-old Traci Troutt dead inside their home around 7 a.m. this morning.

"The couple lived in the 1000 block of 14th Street. Investigators said it appears that Mrs. Troutt shot her husband this morning then called 911 to report her actions before turning the gun on herself. Police said they found the couple laying on their bed.

"`I just think it's a sad thing that happened and I can't believe that it happened,` neighbor Betty Morgan said.

"The couple both worked at the Veterans Affairs Center in Bonham. Mr. Troutt is a former member of the Honey Grove Police Department.

"There's no word yet on a motive. The Honey Grove Police Department, the Fannin County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Rangers are investigating."

"VINITA, OK — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has announced it is looking into the deaths of two people in Vinita.

"OSBI said the Vinita Police Department requested OSBI assistance after Kimberly Kay Cameron, 39, and Raymond Leon Williams, 44, were found dead inside Cameron's home at in the 400 block of East Canadian on Sunday afternoon.

"Vinita Police Chief Bobby Floyd [said] that murder/suicide is suspected. The couple had no known history of domestic disputes.

"Cameron's daughter found the couple, Floyd said.

"The two were in a dating relationship, a news release said.

"The medical examiner's office will determine the cause and manner of death."

"MUSCATINE, IA — Two people died after a shooting that Muscatine Police are investigating as a possible murder/suicide.

"Police were sent to a home in the 800 block of Oak Street at about 3:15 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013 after someone called and reported a disturbance there. When officers arrived, they reported hearing multiple gunshots coming from the residence.

"Teresa Rowan, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene. Lance Stormm, 39, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital and later airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospital where he later died. Police said Stormm had suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

"`At this time this incident is being treated as a possible murder/suicide,` said a statement from Lt. Jeff Kirak of the Muscatine Police Department."

"`It appears that Lauren Brack and Eric Barragan had a previous relationship that had terminated and she was currently in a relationship with Mr. Maybit,` deputy Rod Carrol told Nsaid.

"It played out on McFaddin Beach in front of numerous witnesses. It is unclear if there are any other suspects.

"`At the current time this is an ongoing investigation and that’s one of the things we are trying to clarify,` Carroll said.

"Carroll says a lot of witnesses took off when the bullets started flying. He’s encouraging them to call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to be interviewed.

"`We know a lot of people left the beach for obvious reasons; I mean there was chaos down there directly after the shooting. We are asking that anyone that did see it to contact the Sheriff’s office.`"

"GRAND PRAIRIE, TX — A series of phone calls led up to a double murder/suicide that left two children orphaned.

"Dashun Atkins, 39, drove to Hill Top Lane to the home of his ex-wife, Janea James, 37, and shot her in her neighbor’s yard, according to Grand Prairie Police Det. Mark Beseda. Atkins shot James’ boyfriend, James Doyle, 41, inside the home.

"Two children, a 5-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl, who belonged to Atkins and James were left at the home unharmed.

"Atkins then drove to his apartment’s garage and shot himself.

"Police said the couples young children were taken into protective custody to be questioned before they could be turned over to family members."

"MALOTT, WA — A landlord and his tenant were killed today in what authorities are calling a murder/suicide.

"Okanogan County Sheriff’s deputies responded to 1481 Old Highway 97 in Malott at about 12:30 p.m. where they found William T. Bordua, 65, of Okanogan, and Tony J. Halford, 47, dead, said Sheriff Frank Rogers.

"He said Bordua and his wife, Anita, went to the home to evict Halford, and when Halford became aggressive toward Anita, her husband stepped in and Halford shot him with a semi-automatic .40-caliber pistol. He was shot once in the chest.

"`As soon as Bill stepped in, he (Halford) pulled the gun out from under his pillow, and shot him,` Rogers said. `Then he tells her, 'This bullet’s for you.'`

"Rogers said Anita Bordua crouched down on the floor expecting to be shot when Halford instead walked out onto the porch and shot himself.

"Anita Bordua was not injured and is now with family, the sheriff said.

"Rogers said Halford has had a few minor incidents with police, but no major issues.

"He said he’s known the Borduas for several years. He said William had volunteered at the Okanogan School District. `He was a nice guy. He came to all the games,` he said.

"Rogers said this was the fourth murder in Okanogan County this year."

Search Murder/Suicide

Follow Murder/Suicide on Twitter!

Abstract

"Murder-suicide is an act in which the perpetrator of a homicide kills him or herself after killing the victim(s). Rates of murder-suicide are fairly consistent across communities and are much lower than rates for homicide or suicide. The most common murder-suicide scenario involves a White male perpetrator in his 40s who kills his estranged spouse and perhaps his children before killing himself. The three most common categories of murder-suicide are cases in which (1) the act is caused by jealously or concern about age or illness; (2) the act is perpetrated by a parent who kills all of the children and then themselves; and (3) the act involves disgruntled employees, cult members, or members of religious or political groups who target a large number of victims before committing suicide. "